Australia 40 France 10
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Matt Giteau was everywhere in a rousing performance for the Wallabies in a performance where they blow a lacklustre France off the park. France at times looked like they had received too much sun at the beach as they continually dropped ball, missed tackles and generally loked like they wanted to be elsewhere. The much hyped Sebastien Chabel failed to make any real impact on the game and the French team wilted under a much improved Wallaby performance but one that still had a few glitches.
The Wallabies started strongly and led 10-0 after 8 minutes with a good try to Peter Hynes after an early penalty to Matt Giteau. The Wallaby side had looked much more cohesive in this game and while France did not look much better than last week they at least in the early stages tried to maintain some control of the ball. This was short lived as any likely chance they had was ruined by terrible ball control or unneccessary passes. The Wallabies however took most of their chances and led 26-3 at half time. Just before half time a bust up between the French side after some pushing at the breakdown evolved into a major fight with James Horwill departing the field with a badly busted up eye. The French who were attacking at the time of the half time siren received a penalty but oddly opted for a penalty while down 26-0.
The second half was scrappy at times but opened up as the match progressed. The Wallabies started to chance their arm and made multiple substitutions as the Wallabies had the game in the bag. The inclusion of Smith with about 30 minutes to go was a major catalyst for the Wallabies to move up a gear. With Smith and Waugh digging in at the breakdown the Wallabies secured more ball and strangled the French of any real chance to receive quick ball. Two fine tries to Cross off the end of some great team work leading up to the tries topped off the win.
The Wallabies will be pleased with the effort and dominant scrum that turned over two French feeds with Ben Alexander on the field late impressing once again with his workrate and scrummaging. The Wallabies now have two weeks till they take on the Springboks and they will need to be at their best as the intensity of the the All Blacks and Springboks were in another league when they played earlier in the evening. When the Wallabies watch a reply of the match in Wellington they will realise what they have ahead of them.
Australia 40
Tries: Peter Hynes, James Horwill, Ryan Cross (2)
Goals: Matt Giteau 4 penalties, 4 conversions
France 10
Tries: Francois Trinh-Duc
Goals: Francois Trinh-Duc penalty, Dimitri Yachvili conversion
Wallabies vs France Preview
Tonight Australia will take on France in Brisbane in what is shaping as a much better clash than last week. The Wallabies conquered the French 34-13 last week and won on the back of an impressive 20 minute burst after half time. The performance from the Wallabies for the majority of the game was uninspiring and lacked the flair and composure in attack that was hoped by Robbie Deans. The defensive effort however was sensational. Deans will look for more of the same tonight in what shapes as an impressive match up with a French side who are playing their last game for the season. This will inspire the French to put in a last gasp effort to try and spring an upset on the Wallabies.
The Wallabies have their most inexperienced pack of forwards in 20 years and the late injury to Sharpe has Dean Mumm starting in his first run on side and with the responsibility of calling the lineout a great deal of pressure rests on his shoulders. Mumm will have to be on his game as he takes on French Rugby’s most popular player in Sebastien Chabal.
The French side who made seven changes from last week will be keen to spring a surprise on the Wallabies. They were beaten badly at the breakdown last weekend in Sydney and lacked the composure and patience to hold the ball for long periods. When they finally started to do this in the last 20 minutes they put real pressure on an outstanding defence from the Wallabies. France have unveiled a new wing sensation in Alexis Palisson and he will be keen to further impress to cement a place in next years Six Nations.
The Ruck and Maul expect the Wallabies to have too much firepower and should win by 14 in what Robbie Deans will be hoping will be a tough final match before the Tri-Nations involvement in the coming weeks.
The teams for tonights clash are;
Australia: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock, Berrick Barnes, Lachlan Turner, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Stephen Hoiles, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Dean Mumm, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Adam Freier, Ben Alexander, Hugh McMenimen, George Smith, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Cameron Shepherd
France: Benjamin Thiacry, Alexis Palisson, Maxim Mermoz, Thibault Lacroix, David Janin, Francois Trinh-Duc, Sebastian Tillous-Borde, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Imanol Harinordoquy, Matthieu Lievremont, Lionel Nallet, Sebastien Chabal, Renaud Boyoud, Sebastien Bruno, Pierre Correia.
Reserves: Benjamin Kayser, Benoit Lecouls, David Couzinet, Louis Picamoles, Yannick Caballero, Dimitri Yachvili, Jean-Baptiste Peyras.
France unveil new look for Wallabies
In a major reaction to the disappointing performance by the French side against the Wallabies last weekend coach Marc Lievremont had made seven changes to the starting side for this weekend’s clash in Brisbane.
Lievremont has unveiled a host of new players including moving five players that commenced the match on the bench last week to his starting lineup and providing two players Yannick Caballero and wing Jean-Baptiste Peyras a starting berth after not being named in the previous 22 man squad. This will be one of the most inexperienced sides France have ever had in a test match and Lievremont will be hoping the side will make up for that with enthusiam.
The French side is;
Benjamin Thiacry, Alexis Palisson, Maxim Mermoz, Thibault Lacroix, David Janin, Francois Trinh-Duc, Sebastian Tillous-Borde, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Imanol Harinordoquy, Matthieu Lievremont, Lionel Nallet, Sebastien Chabal, Renaud Boyoud, Sebastien Bruno, Pierre Correia.
Reserves: Benjamin Kayser, Benoit Lecouls, David Couzinet, Louis Picamoles, Yannick Caballero, Dimitri Yachvili, Jean-Baptiste Peyras.
Wallabies 34 France 13
The Australian Wallabies can consider themselves lucky despite the impressive scoreline. Those Wallaby supporters can take heart from a patch of 20 minutes at the start of the second half where everything clicked but the first half and last twenty minutes possessed little that would encourage any Wallaby supporter they are a chance of winning the Tri-Nations.
The match started promisingly with an early Wallabies penalty. The score was soon level as silly infringements and disorganised play from both teams continued to let both teams down on attack. It was not a happy night for the French as every moment they looked promising they were stifled by tremendous Wallaby defence, this was a hallmark of their win. It took till nearly half time till the first try was scored to Matt Giteau when he got on the outside of the defence and rounded a diving Sebastien Chabal to score. The Wallabies converted and took the lead 10-3. France had one last chance before half-time and seemingly blew it again with misguided play only for Cameron Shepherd to kick it out and it was half -time, but a failed kick for touch allowed the French to get back in position only for a penalty to be awarded in front of the posts. The Wallabies went into the break 10-6.
The second half started sensationally for the Wallabies as the urgency missing from the first half seemed to be overflowing in the early stages of the break. Nathan Sharpe was jolly on the spot for a good try only minutes after the break, this was soon followed up to a fine effort that led to Rocky Elsom diving over. The score had blown out and the game was complete when some French counter-attack broke down with a poor inside pass that was intercepted by Stirling Mortlock to sprint 35 metres to score under the posts. A late try to Alexis Palisson gave some minor respectability to the score after a fine try from one of the French’s best on the night. After a strong run close to the line, Mortlock looked to have wrapped Palission up close to the line in a ball and all tackle only for Palisson to flip an arm around the corner to ground the ball. This was the highlight of the night for the team from France and perhaps the only time really looked dangerous.
The Wallabies will be happy with the win but calling it a pass is a big call. The side delivered for 20 minutes and apart from their robust defence it was a limp performance. Robbie Deans can be pleased with the dominance at the breakdown and also considerably pleased with the scrum particularly late in the match when Ben Alexander came on to the field but the lack of finishing and combinations will be something he will be keen to see improved before next week’s game against France in Brisbane.
The best players for the Wallabies were again Berrick Barnes who looked good throughout, often overshadowing Matt Giteau. The forward pack all held up well and Phil Waugh’s aggresion in the second half was part of the improved performance. Both Lote Tuqiri and Wycliff Palu are in doubt for the next game in Brisbane with a knee and shoulder injury respectively.
Australia 34
Tries: Matt Giteau, Nathan Sharpe, Rocky Elsom, Stirling Mortlock
Goals: Matt Giteau 4 conversions, 2 penalties
France 13
Tries: Alexis Palisson
Goals: Francois Trinh-Duc conversion, Dimitri Yachvili 2 penalties)
Wallabies vs France Preview
The Australian Wallabies will be keen to improve on their recent performance against Ireland with a dominant performance in the first of two international matches against France.
The French have sent out what has been called a second string side but those that know French Rugby their is no such thing as a second string side from France. Sebastien Chabal will line up for France in what is a mostly unknown team that has come to Australia. Marc Lievermont has been unable to select a number of major stars who have been playing for the top four teams in the French rugby championship. Regardless of not having the major stars France have some dynamic players who possess genuine skill and speed but have not had the chance to make their presence felt on a regular basis at international level.
The Wallabies have been deep in training for the last two weeks working on some combinations and improving of core skills. Luke Burgess will be better for the run against Ireland and with some additional tuition from Robbie Deans in the kick department he will further stake his claims for a long term position at No. 9. The forward will need to stay on their game this week against France, late in the game fatigue was evident as Burgess was exposed at the breakdown with half the forward pack going missing. The Australian backline will be eager for a run and can be expected to deliver more on the promise shown against Ireland. The direct running was a marked improvement on the direction of attack under Connelly.
The ruck and maul will be at the game in Sydney and will provide an update on the match on Sunday. We tip the Wallabies to come out on top by 9 in what should be an open and entertaining game.
Australian Wallabies
Cameron Shepherd, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock, Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Al Baxter, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Adam Freier, Ben Alexander, Dean Mumm, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Adam Ashley-Cooper.
France
Pepito Elhorga, Alexis Palissson, Francois Trinh-Duc, Damien Traille, Benjamin Thiery, Benjamin Boyet, Dimitri Yachvili, Louis Picamoles, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Imanol Harinordoquy, Lionel Nallet, Sebastien Chabal, Benoit Lecouls, Sebastien Bruno, Lionel Faure.
Reserves: Benjamin Kayser, Renaud Boyoud, David Couzinet, Matthieu Lievremont, Sebastien Tillous-Bordes, Thubault Lacroix, David Janin.
Wallabies squad unchanged for France
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has stuck by his team for the first test against the French on Saturday. Robbie Deans has named an unchanged team in what is a change of practice over recent years. Not once in the reign of John Connelly as coach were the Wallabies team unchanged from one international to another. Coach Deans did impress upon his players the importance of taking your place for granted and that each player should play each international like it was their last. This attitude would generate greater competition for spots and keep everyone on guard that any drop in form will see them dumped for another player who is performing.
The Wallabies will play a French side that is dramatically different to the team they fielded in the World Cup final but while it is a youthful squad it is arguably just as good and in some opinions the youthfulness of the side and enthusiam matched with the speed and ability of the team could be arguably better than the top rated French side they could field if they had the players from the top four teams.
The Wallabies team is;
Cameron Shepherd, Peter Hynes, Stirling Mortlock, Berrick Barnes, Lote Tuqiri, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill, Matt Dunning, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Reserves: Adam Freier, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, Phil Waugh, Sam Cordingley, Ryan Cross, Adam Ashley-Cooper.
French announce team for Wallabies
The French team coach Marc Lievremont has named his team to take on the Wallabies in Sydney this Saturday with only Damien Traille surviving from the starting team in the World Cup semi-final defeat to England.
France will line up an in-experienced team by international standards but a team full of flair and promise and will be by no means easy beats for the Wallabies. The French rugby team is passionate and will play with the usual flair and look to impress upon their new coach, Marc Lievremont, their credentials for a place when the main stars return after the end of the French rugby championship. With no players available from the top four teams due to the final stages of the rugby season in France it has given France a big task ahead to achieve victory. This is one challenge all the players and coach will be keen to take and will not die trying to beat the Wallabies at running rugby.
In what is an excellent addition to the team for bring the fans in the gates is Sebastien Chabal, also known as the Caveman or Seabass. Chabal developed a cult following during the Rugby World Cup and was the face of the French rugby campaign that took them to the semi-finals. Chabal will be keen to impress after being left out of the Six Nations team under Lievremont and will receive huge crowd support. Despite the relative inexperience of Les Bleus they only have two international debutants Alexis Palissson and Benoit Lecouls on Saturday. The French are not to be underestimated and I am sure Robbie Deans will ensure the Wallabies prepare as best as possible.
The French side to take on the Wallabies in Sydney is;
Pepito Elhorga, Alexis Palissson, Francois Trinh-Duc, Damien Traille, Benjamin Thiery, Benjamin Boyet, Dimitri Yachvili, Louis Picamoles, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Imanol Harinordoquy, Lionel Nallet, Sebastien Chabal, Benoit Lecouls, Sebastien Bruno, Lionel Faure.
Reserves: Benjamin Kayser, Renaud Boyoud, David Couzinet, Matthieu Lievremont, Sebastien Tillous-Bordes, Thubault Lacroix, David Janin.
Sebastien Chabal to tour Australia
The French team to tour Australia has been announced and features the man known affectionately as the Caveman Sebastien Chabal in the team. Chabal who played no part in the French Six Nations team will be keen to show he still has plenty left to offer the French team after a strong World Cup campaign where be became the face of French Rugby last year.
The eight months since the World Cup has resulted in a vastly different French team to tour. Also affecting the team announced has been the non release of the major players from the top four teams in the domestic competition as they embark on their finals campaign. This has caused some considerably ire by the Australian management as they say this devalues the seriousness of the test matches. Still the French team touring will not accept they are second string and will be all out to show they have something to offer the new French coach Marc Lievremont.
The French team to play the Wallabies on 28th June and 5 July is;
Forwards: Sebastien Bruno, Benjamin Kayser, Lionel Faure, Pierre Correia, Benoit Lecouls, Renaud Boyoud, Lionel Nallet (captain), David Couzinet, Sebastien Chabal, Louis Picamoles, Imanol Harinordoquy, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Mathieu Lievremont, Yannick Caballero.
Backs: Dimitri Yachvili, Sebastien Tillous-Bordes, Francois Trinh-Duc, Benjamin Boyet, Damien Traille, Thibault Lacroix, Maxime Mermoz, Benjamin Thiery, Jean-Baptiste Peyras, Alexis Palisson, David Janin, Pepito Elhorga.
All Blacks vs Ireland - Preview
The first major test of the southern hemisphere international rugby season kicks off on Saturday the 7th June 2008. The New Zealand All Blacks take on the team from Ireland, both teams will aim to reverse the poor performances of their last test matches. New Zealand were bustled out of the World Cup by France in the quarter finals and Ireland came fourth in the Six Nations.
Both teams will be keen to deliver their best performance and we can expect a tough and combative match. Rain has been forecast for the game and with the All Blacks at home they will be hard to beat. I am tipping an All Black win by 13 points. With the wet weather the game will be determined by the winner at the breakdown, for Ireland the All Blacks have too many big gun players and Richie McCaw who’s workrate and consistency continues to amaze will lead the All Blacks strongly. I suspect Brian O’Driscoll will have to have a blinder for Ireland to be a chance and Ronan O’Gara will have to take every single chance he get’s at goal if Ireland are to seriously challenge for victory.
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Anthony Tuitavake, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Rodney So’oialo, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, John Afoa, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata. Res: Keven Mealamu, John Schwalger, Anthony Boric, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Leon MacDonald, Adam Thomson
Ireland: Robert Kearney, Shane Horgan, Brian O’Driscoll (captain), Paddy Wallace, Tommy Bowe, Ronan O’Gara, Eoin Reddan, Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace, Denis Leamy, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, John Hayes, Jerry Flannery, Marcus Horan. Res: Girvan Dempsey, Geordan Murphy, Peter Stringer, Shane Jennings, Mick O’Driscoll, Tony Buckley, Rory Best.